Ekstraklasa

Ekstraklasa
Poland , meaning "Extra Class" in Polish, named PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa since the 2019–20 season due to its sponsorship by PKO Bank Polski, is the top Polish professional league for men's association football teams.
Contested by 18 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the I liga, seasons start in July, and end in May or June the following year. Teams play a total of 34 games each. Games are played on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The winner of the qualifies for the Polish SuperCup. The league is now operated by the Spółka Akcyjna.
The (former I liga) was officially formed as Liga Polska on 4–5 December 1926 in Warsaw, since 1 March 1927 as Liga Piłki Nożnej, but the Polish Football Association (Polish: Polski Związek Piłki Nożnej, PZPN) had been in existence since 20 December 1919, a year after the independence of Poland in 1918. The first games of the freshly created league took place on 3 April 1927, while first national non-league football championship took place in 1920.
A total of 82 teams have played in the top division of Polish football since the founding of the league, of which 18 clubs have won the title. The current champions are Raków Częstochowa, who won their 1st title in 2022–23 season.
History
Naming
1927-1948: Liga
1949-2004: I liga
2004: Idea Ekstraklasa
2005-2009: Orange Ekstraklasa
2011-2015: T-Mobile Ekstraklasa
2016-2018: Lotto Ekstraklasa
2019-: PKO Bank Polski Ekstraklasa
Creation of the Polish Football League
On 4–5 December 1926 in Warsaw, representatives from several Polish clubs met for the purpose of discussing the creation of a league. It is unknown where the idea of a Polish league originated from, however a national league was thought to be a much more practical solution than hitherto practiced two-stage system of regional matches followed by a national match.
To dismay of clubs' officials, the PZPN was not receptive to the idea of a national league and therefore sought to thwart it. However, it turned out that virtually all but one of the Polish clubs supported the idea. The decision to create it was made regardless what PZPN's representatives thought of it. In late February 1927, at the PZPN's meeting in Warsaw, its officials openly opposed the formation of a league, but the clubs, allegedly egged on by some generals from the Polish Army (which, after May Coup of 1926, played a key role in all aspects of public life), proceeded anyway. The creation of the League was announced on 1 March 1927.
Cracovia
The only opponent of the league's formation was Cracovia – a very influential and strong organization in Polish football of the 1920s. Cracovia's boycott was because its chairman, Dr. Edward Cetnarowski, at the same time held the post of the director of the PZPN. Cetnarowski was a personality known not only in Poland, but also in other countries. It was due to his efforts that in September 1923, Cracovia toured Spain, drawing 1–1 with Barcelona and losing 0–1 to Real Madrid. In October, also thanks to Cetnarowski, Sevilla travelled to Kraków, losing 2–3 to Cracovia.
Early years of the league
Games of the first championships started on 3 April 1927. All major teams (except for Cracovia) took part in it. This is the list of the teams (in the order they finished in November 1927):
In this first season of the league, fight for championship was decided between two powerful teams – Wisła Kraków and 1.FC Katowice. This rivalry was treated very seriously, not only by the two sides involved, but also by the whole nation. 1.FC was regarded as the team supported by German minority, while Wisła, at the end of this historic season, represented ambitions of all Poles.
Some time in the fall of 1927 in Katowice, an ill-fated game between 1.FC and Wisła took place. Stakes were very high – the winner would become the champion. Kraków's side won 2–0 and became the champion. 1.FC finished second, third was Warta Poznań.
1927–1932: dominance of Kraków teams
In 1928 Cracovia finally decided to enter the league, which was gladly accepted by all fans of football. However, championships were once again won by Wisła, with such excellent players as Henryk Reyman, Mieczysław Balcer and Jan Kotlarczyk. Warta Poznań was second and Legia Warsaw third. This was also the last year of 1.FC's glory. The team finished fifth, to be relegated forever at the end of 1929 season.
In 1929 yet another team (after Cracovia, Pogon Lwów and Wisła) was added to the list of champions of Poland. This time it was Warta Poznań, which finished one point ahead of Garbarnia Kraków.
However, after the last game, on 1 December 1929, it was Garbarnia Kraków that was celebrating the championship. Two weeks later, in mid-December, PZPN's officials changed the result of the Warta – Klub Turystow Łódź game. Originally, Warta lost 1–2, but due to walkover (it was decided that one of Łódź's players did not have all necessary documents), this was changed to 3–0 in favor of Poznań's side. As a result of the decision, Warta (with 33 points) became the champion, Garbarnia finished second with 32 points and Klub Turystow was relegated.
In 1930, Cracovia regained the championship, (to repeat this success in 1932) and a year later another Kraków's side, Garbarnia, won the league. It is clear that the 1927–1932 period was marked by dominance of teams from Kraków. During this time, only once (Warta Poznań, 1929) the championship was won by a side from a different city. The 1931 champion, Garbarnia, was unique as this was the first time that the league had been won by a side whose all players had been bought from other teams.
1933–1939: Upper Silesian dominance
As has been said, the early 1930s marked a decline of the dominance of Kraków and Lwów as centers of Polish football. The point of gravity slowly moved towards west – to Polish part of Upper Silesia, which had belonged to Poland since 1921 (see: Silesian Uprisings). In 1932 the champion was Cracovia, but starting in 1933, Ruch Chorzów (then: Ruch Wielkie Hajduki) completely dominated the league, being the champion for four times in a row.
Ruch, with such excellent players as Teodor Peterek, Ernest Wilimowski and Gerard Wodarz was by far the best team in those years. For example, in 1934 it finished seven points ahead of second Cracovia. Other important teams of these years were: Cracovia, Wisła Kraków, Pogoń Lwów and Warta Poznań.
In 1933 and 1934 there were 12 teams in the League. In 1935 this number was cut to 11 and in 1936 – to 10. Football officials did it on purpose – with fewer teams, the competition was supposed to be harder, which would attract fans to the stadiums. However, supporters' turnout was not impressive, with Ruch Chorzów as the most popular team, both at home and away.
In late 1935 (the league held its games in the spring-summer-fall system) fans were shocked to find that Cracovia, the legend of this sport, was relegated to the A-class. Kraków's side absence lasted for a year – it returned in 1937, to become the champion.
Ruch Chorzów was still the dominant team, winning the Championships in 1936 and 1938. In 1937 Ruch's streak of four consecutive champions was broken by Cracovia, and in 1939 the championships were not finished. By 31 August 1939, after some 12 games, Ruch was the leader of the 10-team League. Last games of this summer occurred on 20 August. Then, a break was planned, because the National Team was going to play a few international friendlies. Games were to be re-introduced on 10 September.
This is the list of the ten teams that participated in last, historic games for championships of interwar Poland. Teams are presented according to their position on the table, as of 31 August 1939:
Ruch Chorzów
Wisła Kraków
Pogoń Lwów
AKS Chorzów
Warta Poznań
Cracovia
Polonia Warsaw
Garbarnia Kraków
Warszawianka Warsaw
Union Touring Łódź
After World War II
As a result of the Second World War, the borders of Poland changed significantly. Lwów, one of the centers of Polish football (with such teams as Pogoń Lwów, Czarni Lwów and Lechia Lwów) was annexed by Soviet Union and all these teams ceased to exist. Lwów's football officials and players moved westwards, creating such clubs as Polonia Bytom, Odra Opole and Pogoń Szczecin (see: Recovered Territories). Another important center, Wilno (with the team Śmigły Wilno), was also annexed by the Soviets (see: Polish areas annexed by the Soviet Union). In exchange, Poland gained a large swath of formerly German territory in particular in Silesia, with its capital Wrocław (home of double champion Śląsk Wrocław) and towns such as Zabrze (home of 14-times champion Górnik Zabrze), Bytom (home of champions Polonia Bytom and Szombierki Bytom) and Lubin (home of double champion Zagłębie Lubin). 18 teams played in the league between seasons of 1992 and 1998.
1950's
The Ekstraklasa, Poland's top-tier professional football league, underwent significant changes during the 1950s, reflecting the turbulent political and social landscape of post-World War II Poland. The Ekstraklasa was officially established as the top division of Polish football. It replaced the previous Polish Football Championship, which had been in existence since the 1920s. The inaugural season of the Ekstraklasa featured eight teams from various Polish cities, including Warsaw, Krakow, Gdynia, and others. Ruch Chorzów became the first champions of the newly formed league, winning the title in the 1950 season. Throughout these years, the league format remained relatively stable, with the same number of teams participating each season. Legia Warsaw asserted its dominance during this period, winning three consecutive Ekstraklasa titles in 1951, 1952, and 1953. The Ekstraklasa expanded its format, increasing the number of teams from eight to ten for the 1954 season. Gwardia Warsaw won their first and only Ekstraklasa title during this season. The league continued with ten teams participating in the competition over the next three seasons. Górnik Zabrze emerged as the dominant force, securing three consecutive league titles in 1955, 1956, and 1957. The Ekstraklasa expanded once more, growing to include 12 teams for the 1958 season. Legia Warsaw regained its position at the top, clinching the league title in this year. The league contracted back to ten teams for the 1959 season. Górnik Zabrze returned to their winning ways, capturing the league title for the fourth time in the decade. Overall, the 1950s marked a period of consolidation and growth for the Ekstraklasa. Despite being a relatively young league, it experienced a stable format and saw some clubs begin to assert their dominance. This era laid the groundwork for further developments and successes in the coming decades.
1960's
The Ekstraklasa continued with ten teams participating in the competition, maintaining the same format as the previous season.
Górnik Zabrze extended their dominance, securing their fifth league title in a decade. The league expanded its format once again, this time to 12 teams for the 1961 season. Legia Warsaw reclaimed the top spot, winning the league title. Over these two seasons, the league maintained the same 12-team format. Górnik Zabrze returned to their winning ways, clinching two more league titles in
1962 and 1963. The Ekstraklasa reduced the number of teams from 12 to 10 for the 1964 season. Górnik Zabrze continued their exceptional run, securing the league title yet again. The league featured ten teams throughout these seasons. Polonia Bytom enjoyed a successful period, winning back-to-back league titles in 1965 and 1966. The Ekstraklasa expanded to include 14 teams for both the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Legia Warsaw reestablished their dominance, clinching two league titles in consecutive years.
The league contracted back to 12 teams for the 1969 season. Ruch Chorzów returned to their winning form, capturing the league title. Overall, the 1960s saw the Ekstraklasa continue to evolve and grow, with various changes to the number of participating teams. Górnik Zabrze and Legia Warsaw remained dominant forces, but other clubs like Polonia Bytom and Ruch Chorzów also had their moments of success. The decade was marked by competitive football and showcased the emergence of new talents in the Polish football landscape.
Clubs
There are 18 clubs in the Ekstraklasa. During the course of the season each club plays the others twice, once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 34 games. From the 2013–14 till the 2019–20 season, after the 30th round the table was divided into 'champion' (top eight teams) and 'relegation' (bottom eight teams) groups. Each team played seven more games (teams ranked 1–4 and 9–12 would host four games at home). The 2016–17 season was the last when teams started an extra round with half the points (rounded up) achieved during the first phase of 30 matches. The changes extended the season to a total of 296 matches played. The 2021–22 season started with 18 teams, instead of 16.
Clubs as of the 2022–23 season.
Upgrading to 31,871.
Upgrading to 20,500.
Due to the renovation of the Stadion im. Braci Czachorów in Radom, Radomiak play their home matches at the Stadion Lekkoatletyczno-Piłkarski in Radom.
Due to the renovation of Warta Poznań Stadium in Poznań, Warta play their home matches at the Stadion Dyskobolii in Grodzisk Wielkopolski.
List of champions
°Abandoned due to the outbreak of World War II. On 31 August 1939 Ruch Chorzów was the leader.
°°In 1951, the Polish Football Association decided to give the Champion of Poland title to the winner of the Polish Cup, in order to increase the importance of the re-activated cup competition. Ruch Chorzów was 6th in the league, but won the cup, beating 2-0 Wisła Kraków in the final game. Wisła Kraków was announced the league champion.
Performance by club
Note: This list is not synonymous with a list of Polish football champions. Bold indicates clubs playing in the top division in the 2023–24 season.
The following table lists the league champions by the Polish voivodeship regions (current, valid since 1999).
The following table lists the league champions by city.
Honored teams
After 10 Polish Championship titles a representative golden star is placed above the team's badge to indicate 10 Polish Championship titles.
The current (as of May 2021) officially sanctioned Championship stars are:
Golden star: 10 or more Polish Championship titles:
Górnik Zabrze
Legia Warsaw
Ruch Chorzów
Wisła Kraków
Silver star: 5–9 Polish Championship titles:
Cracovia
Lech Poznań
White star: 1–4 Polish Championship titles:
ŁKS Łódź
Piast Gliwice
Polonia Bytom
Polonia Warszawa
Śląsk Wrocław
Warta Poznań
Widzew Łódź
Zagłębie Lubin
Raków Częstochowa
All-time league table
The all-time league table consists of all the teams that once participated in the Ekstraklasa. Data from the 1927 – 2022–23 seasons.
Source: Tabela wszech czasów 90minut.pl
From 1927 to 2023 a total of 82 teams contested in the Ekstraklasa.
Bold- indicates teams currently playing in the Ekstraklasa 2023–24 season (except for Puszcza Niepołomice, who just became the 83rd club contesting in Ekstraklasa).
Explanation
1. An equal number of points on the basis of their goal difference, then greater number of goals scored.
2. In seasons 1927 – 1994–95 for a win awarded 2 points and 1 point for a draw. In seasons 1986–87 – 1989–90 for win at least three goals difference additionally awarded 1 point, while a losses at least 3 goals difference subtracted one point. Since the season 1995–96 for win gives 3 points and 1 point for a draw.
3. Included additional qualification games between both teams and league championship and remain in the league (including 11 games in 1948, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89) and was not included in the table play-off for the right to play in the league between teams of different class divisions.
4. Included matches with unfinished 1939 season.
Penalty points
Includes penalties imposed by the Football Association:
In the season 1934 in the meeting Garbarnia Kraków – ŁKS Łódź held bilateral forfeit 0:3 (match did not take place due to the fault of both teams).
Matches of the season 1986–87 (Lech Poznań – Polonia Bytom 1:1, Olimpia Poznań – Stal Mielec 1:3, Zagłębie Lubin – Ruch Chorzów 0:2) and the season 1992–93 (Wisła Kraków – Legia Warsaw 0:6, ŁKS Łódź – Olimpia Poznań 7:1 ) on suspicion settings results have been verified as completed, but the teams received points places and infield (and this is included in the table). More: Sunday of Miracles.
In the season 1993–94 Legia Warsaw, Wisła Kraków and ŁKS Łódź started the game with a negative account (−3 points) as punishment for the events of the final round of the season 1992–93.
In the season 2009–10 Jagiellonia Białystok was penalized 10 points deduction for participating in the corruption scandal.
In the season 2012–13 Zagłębie Lubin was penalized 3 points for participating in the corruption scandal.
In the season 2015–16 Wisła Kraków, Górnik Zabrze, Lechia Gdańsk and Ruch Chorzów were penalized 1 points for failing with licensing requirements.
In the season 2016–17 Ruch Chorzów was penalized 4 points for failing with licensing requirements.
In the season 2020–21 Cracovia was penalized 5 points for participating in the corruption scandal during the 2003–04 II liga season.
Mergers and acquisitions teams
With the following mergers and acquisitions teams:
The combination Union Łódź and Klub Turystów Łódź at Union-Touring Łódź (1932) – the balance Klub Turystów and Union-Touring counted together.
The combination Rymer Niedobczyce and Błyskawica Radlin at Górnik Radlin (1949) – the balance Rymer and Górnik counted together.
The combination Sokół Pniewy and GKS Tychy at Sokół Tychy (1995) – the balance of the Sokół Pniewy and Sokół Tychy is counted together.
The combination Olimpia Poznań and Lechia Gdańsk at Lechia/Olimpia Gdańsk (1995) – the balance Lechia/Olimpia Gdańsk is included in the balance sheet Lechia Gdańsk.
The combination Amica Wronki and Lech Poznań (2006) – Lech Poznań balance before and after the merger is counted together.
The combination Dyskobolia Grodzisk Wielkopolski and Polonia Warsaw (2008) – Polonia Warsaw balance before and after the merger is counted together.
Top goalscorers
Players
All-time most appearances
All-time top goalscorers
League presidents
Corruption scandal
Several clubs have been involved in a corruption scandal and were/are in danger of relegation:
Arka Gdynia – relegated from 1st to 2nd division, −5 points at the start of 2007/08 season
Cracovia – –5 points at the start of the 2020–21 season, fine of 1,000,000 zloty.
Górnik Łęczna – relegated from 1st to 3rd division, −6 points at the start of 2007/08 season
Górnik Polkowice – 70 000 zł penalty, relegated from 2nd to 4th division, −6 points at the start of 2007/08 season
Jagiellonia Białystok – docked 10 points at the start of the 2009/10 season, fine of 300,000 zloty
KSZO Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski – relegated from 2nd to 3rd division, – 6 points at the start of 2007/08 season
Zagłębie Sosnowiec – at the end of 2007/08 they were relegated from the top division to the 3rd, as they finished the season in the relegation zone, plus one division lower due to corruption.
Korona Kielce – at the end of 2007/08 they were relegated one level lower due to corruption.
Zagłębie Lubin (Polish champion 2006–2007) – at the end of 2007/08 they were relegated one level lower due to corruption.
Statistics
UEFA coefficients
The following data indicates Polish coefficient rankings between European football leagues.
Country ranking
UEFA League Ranking for the 2018–2023 period:
22. (21) Cypriot First Division (24.475)
23. (23) Allsvenskan (23.750)
24. (28) Ekstraklasa (20.750)
25. (27) Nemzeti Bajnokság I (20.625)
26. (25) Liga I (20.500)
Club ranking
UEFA 5-year Club Ranking for the 2018–2023 period:
83. Lech Poznań (19.000)
137. Legia Warsaw (11.000)
255. Raków Częstochowa (5.000)
290. Piast Gliwice (4.150)
290. Pogoń Szczecin (4.150)
290. Lechia Gdańsk (4.150)
290. Śląsk Wrocław (4.150)
290. Górnik Zabrze (4.150)
290. Jagiellonia Białystok (4.150)
290. MKS Cracovia (4.150)
Television
All matches from the 2011–12 are telecast live nationally by Canal+ Poland. From 2019–20 Telewizja Polska has the rights to air live 1 game per week on a non-scrambled channel.
See also
Football in Poland
List of foreign Ekstraklasa players
List of Polish football champions
List of sports attendance figures
Notes
References
External links
Official website
Ekstraklasa's goals and highlights
PSN Futbol – Ekstraklasa league table, results and news
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Poland
Professional sports leagues in Poland